Upload an App to the Google Play Store

Google Play Developer Console

To upload an Android play store app, a developer dashboard is imperative. Google Play console is kind of a backend controlling center, from where developers submit Play Store apps for Android.

There is a one-time fee of $25 by which a developer can open an account, loaded with functions and control features. After paying this one-time fee, you can submit apps to Google Play Store for free.

1. Sign in to https://play.google.com/console/u/0/signup.

2. Complete the fields that are requested: personal information, create account.

3. Click on Create account and pay.

Link Developer Account with Google Wallet Merchant Account (if applicable)

If the app getting uploaded to Play Store supports in-app purchases, then you will need a merchant account.

1. Sign in to your Google Play Console account and click on Reports followed by the Financial Reports option.

2. Select the Set up a merchant account now option and simply fill out your details.

The merchant account will automatically get linked to your Google Play Console account and will allow you to manage and examine app sales.

Create your app

1. Open Play Console.
2. Select All apps > Create app.

3. Select a default language and add the name of your app as you want it to appear on Google Play.

4. Specify whether your application is an app or a game.

5. Specify whether your application is free or paid.

6. Add an email address that Play Store users can use to contact you about this application.

7. In the Declarations section, you have two options:

   1. Acknowledge the Developer Program Policies and US export laws declarations.

   2. Accept the Play App Signing Terms of Service.

8. Select Create app.

App Store Listing

1. Select Dashboard on the left menu.

2. Under your app’s details at the top of the page, you’ll find different categories and tasks relating to app setup and release.

   1. You must complete the mandatory tasks before you can launch your app on Google Play.

3. When you complete a task, you’ll see a green tick mark and strikethrough text.

   1. The progress bar at the top of the section will also be updated.

   2. As you complete more tasks, your dashboard will populate with performance data and key insights by set time periods.

4. After launching your app, you can visit your dashboard to get an overview of key metrics, trends, and insights for your app.

Upload App Bundles or APK To Google Play

1. Navigate to the Release Management and then App Release tab in the menu. After this, you will be asked to choose any one type of release from four options:

   • Open testing: Open testing releases are available to testers on Google Play. Users can join tests from your store listing.

   • Closed testing: Closed testing releases are available to a limited number of testers that you choose, who can test a pre-release version of your app and submit feedback.

   • Internal testing: Internal testing releases are available to up to 100 testers that you choose.

   • Production: Production releases are available to all Google Play users in your chosen countries.

2. After finalizing your decision on the type of release you prefer, proceed by selecting Create Release.

3. You will be redirected to the New release to the production page where you will have two options:

   1. To opt for Google Play apps store signing on the app or not.

   2. If you choose the latter, then simply click on the OPT-OUT option.

4. Select Browse files and select the signed apk file to upload while naming and describing your release through on-screen instructions.

5. Click on Review to confirm the information.

6. Press Save.

Content Rating

1. Select Content Rating in the menu on the left side of the screen.

2. Click on Continue.

3. Complete the field email address.

4. Complete the questionnaire for the qualification of the application.

5. Click Save questionnaire.

6. Choose the Calculate Ratin option.

7. Click Apply.

App Pricing and Distribution

1. In the menu, select the Pricing and distribution tab and select whether the application will be free or paid.

2. Select the countries in which you want the application to be launched.

   1. The point to note here is that Google does not support publishing an app to all regions.

   2. The app will be published in select countries instead of worldwide.

3. If the app is suitable for children under the age of 13, select Yes for primaty child-detected. Otherwise select No.

4. Select the option to allow ads in the application.

If you want your app to be free, make sure that this decision is permanent, as Google does not allow you to convert free apps into paid ones. Although, the price of the app can be altered.

Publish the Application

1. Once you have confirmed everything being correct, go to the App Releases tab and then select Manage Production.

2. Click on Edit Release.

3. Click on Review and then choose Start rollout to production option.

4. To bring this process to an end select the Confirm option and you have successfully uploaded the app to the Google Play Store.

Reference links

• https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9859152?hl=en&ref_topic=7072031